Restraints Applications Supervisor

The NA Restraints Applications Supervisor leads a team of Design and Release (D&R) engineers responsible for the end-to-end engineering execution, integration, and launch of occupant protection restraint systems (Airbags, Seatbelts, Steering Wheel Assemblies, and Pyrotechnic Hardware) across North American vehicle programs. This role drives technical excellence, safety regulatory compliance (FMVSS/NCAP/IIHS), quality, cost targets, and team development from initial concept feasibility through launch and current model support.

The NA Restraints Applications Supervisor is a key leadership role within Product Development, directly overseeing the North American engineering team dedicated to passive safety occupant protection systems. In this role, you will be responsible for leading a team of engineers in the design, development, packaging, validation, and execution of restraint application systems across multiple vehicle platforms (ICE, Hybrid, and BEV).

You will act as the primary engineering lead for NA Restraints Applications, working cross-functionally with Safety Integration, Vehicle Crash, Body Interior, Restraints Electronics, Manufacturing (VOME), Purchasing, Quality, and Tier 1/2 Suppliers. You will ensure all restraint subsystems meet stringent System Design Specifications (SDS), crashworthiness requirements, government safety standards (e.g., FMVSS), and customer rating expectations (US NCAP, IIHS) while balancing weight, cost (TVM), complexity, and craftsmanship.

As an LL6 leader, you will foster an environment of continuous technical growth, coaching team members, streamlining engineering processes, driving 6-Sigma quality practices, and leading rapid root-cause resolution during vehicle launches and current model operations.

• Engineering Leadership & Program Execution: Lead the end-to-end Design and Release (D&R) of restraint systems (Airbags, Seatbelts, Steering Wheels, Pyrotechnics) for new model and current model programs, including Total Value Management (TVM) and quality enhancements.
• Cradle-to-Grave Delivery: Execute multiple NA vehicle programs across all Global Product Development System (GPDS) milestones—from concept feasibility, packaging studies, and FEA/CAE crash validation, through FDJ, Prototype Builds, assembly plant launch, and closed-loop preventive quality control.
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure 100% compliance of all restraint components with Ford System Design Specifications (SDS), Design Rules, occupant safety crash performance targets, and government/consumer crash test requirements (FMVSS, NCAP, IIHS).
• Team Technical & Career Development: Responsible for the technical formation, resource allocation, mentoring, and performance management of engineering headcounts (GSRs) within the NA Restraints team.
• Cross-Functional & Supplier Collaboration: Drive cross-functional alignment with Safety CAE, Vehicle Crash Integration, Body Interior, Craftsmanship, Electrical, and VOME. Lead technical reviews and manage Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers for design delivery, tooling readiness, DVP&R execution, and issue resolution.
• Cost & Quality Optimization: Lead TVM, Function Led Cost, and complexity reduction initiatives while maintaining safety and quality integrity. Drive failure mode identification (DFMEA), 6-Sigma quality tools, 8D root-cause problem solving, and plant launch support.

Education & Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Automotive, Aerospace, Mechatronics, or related Engineering field required. Master of Science in Engineering or Business Administration preferred.
• Professional Experience: 
  • Minimum 7+ years of professional experience in the automotive industry.
  • Minimum 5+ years of direct experience in Restraints Systems, Passive Safety, or Body Interior Design & Release (D&R), including concept-to-launch program delivery.
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional engineering projects, supplier technical engagements, and vehicle launch activities.

Software, Technical Knowledge & Processes

• Deep technical understanding of Restraints Subsystems (Airbags, Seatbelt Mechanisms/Pretensioners, Steering Wheels, Fasteners/Anchors, Pyrotechnic Devices, and Sensor Interfaces).
• Robust knowledge of occupant safety crash requirements (FMVSS, NCAP, IIHS), System Design Specifications (SDS), and crashworthiness packaging requirements.
• Proficiency in CAD processes, geometry assurance methods, packaging/clearance evaluations, and analytical design verification tools (CAE/FEA crash simulations, DFMEA, DVP&R).
• Strong working knowledge of GPDS, TVM processes, Function Led Costing, and 6-Sigma quality tools for achieving Best-In-Class (BIC) quality.

Behaviors and Leadership Skills

• Outstanding Mentorship: Proven capability to coach, develop, and empower engineering team members (GSRs).
• Cross-Functional Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to present complex technical issues clearly to upper management, plant teams, and external suppliers.
• Proactive Leadership & Ownership: Assertive approach to problem-solving with demonstrated delivery of results under tight program timing.
• Effective Delegation & Follow-Up: Strong organizational and follow-up skills to manage multi-program priorities concurrently.
• Courage & Resilience: Courage to drive engineering decisions and maintain high performance standards in challenging and fast-paced environments.
• Innovation & Opportunity Seeking: Continuous improvement mindset to seek out new restraint technologies, lightweighting strategies, cost optimizations, and process enhancements.

 

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